Artist Bio
Mhairi was born in Evanston, Illinois. Her mother and father are both immigrants from Scotland. She has spent much of her life trying to find ways to engage with her family across the Atlantic Ocean. She learned sewing and knitting from her grandmother at age 6. Since then, she has continued to learn about fiber arts and its complexities. As a child, she was driven by a passion for the arts, playing piano and trumpet, dancing ballet, and attending her mom’s painting classes at the local community center. She graduated from her local high school in 2021 and decided to attend university in Scotland. She studied Art History and Film History at The University of St. Andrews.
Although she loved engaging with the literary and academic community, she missed the physical making of art. In 2023, she transferred to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She loves the experience of learning with other artists and being able to delve into her creative side. At SAIC, she discovered a passion for sculptural practices such as woodworking, stained glass, and ceramics. She is excited to see where her practice takes her next.
Artist Statement
Art, I believe, is a legacy passed down. I place my art in the context of folk art, deeply rooted in tradition and cultural context. Engaging in my practice feels like connecting with my distant family. As the child of Scottish immigrants, I have often longed for a sense of home and belonging, a longing that profoundly influences my art and establishes a thematic exploration of identity and heritage.
Particularly, I am interested in how folk art relates to disability, believing that art can powerfully express diverse experiences, including those shaped by disability. I view my art as an extension of my body and my being. Through my work, I aim to highlight the unique contributions of disabled artists to the folk art tradition, challenging prevailing notions of ability and creativity.
I am determined to push the boundaries between what is considered art and craft. For me, the act of creating is as significant as the final piece. This often laborious and time-consuming process allows me to fully engage with the materials and immerse myself in self-expression. Through this approach, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of folk art in today's world.
